Assad gives singer Wassouf €25000 for treatment

Arabstoday has learned that the Syrian regime has transferred €25,000 to singer George Wassouf's account from a bank in Lebanon after funding for the latter's treatment was cut off several months ago. The regime covers Wassouf's medical bills for his treatment in Sweden from a stroke that has left the singer temporarily paralysed. He had written repeatedly to the Syrian president Bashar al-Assad's brother, Maher, to ask for the funds. Our sources say Wassouf's letters to Saudi businessman Prince al-Walid bin Talal did not reach the latter for reasons unknown to the singer. Arabstoday's sources say Wassouf's treatment in Sweden has so far cost $340,000 and is likely to increase.